Spring 2013

In this Issue:

-Alumni Highlights -Class Reunion Photos -Senior Awards Night Recap -Forest City Education Foundation Happenings

Photo by Paul Sorensen Spring Foliage - The Renewal

See more photos on page 8

Highlight on FCHS Alum: Sheila Davis

By Abbie Wibe, Forest City Education Foundation Intern
Sheila Monson Davis 71, like many smalltown high school graduates, wanted to leave Forest City as soon as she could to spread her wings. However, as time passed she realized that Forest City was where she wanted to be. She and her husband, Police Chief Dan Davis, have had the wonderful opportunity to raise their children close to their grandparents, nestled in a safe and loving community. Letting go of her city-life dreams, she decided she could enjoy big-city-living by visiting them. Sheila has friends who live in larger cities, where they are forced to commute to work an hour each way; That is two hours every day they are not able to spend with their families. I have a five minute drive from work to home. Priceless! said Sheila Davis. For the past 37 years, Sheila has been instrumental to the success of Winnebago Industries, as a public and investor relations worker. Her career has allowed her to travel, and even participate in the ringing of the Closing Bell on the New York Stock Exchange. Dont overlook the potential of living and working in Forest City, said Davis. Its a great community (in which) to raise a family, and there are opportunities for good jobs, as well. Sheila is also involved in many community organizations including the Chamber of Commerce and the Top of Iowa Welcome Center.

Family Impacted by Scholarships Donates to Foundation

-Heidi Nyhus
This year, Steve Nelson endowed a scholarship in memory of his parents, wife and mother-in-law. Steve recognized the opportunities that were provided to his children because of the scholarships they received. Son, Eric Nelson was awarded the Bill C. Fox Scholarship and daughter, Jennifer Nelson the Christina Hixson Opportunity Award. Both of these scholarships are awarded to students attending Iowa State University. While Nelson siblings Jennifer 03 and Eric 99 may live out-ofstate, they both credit their successful careers to inspiration from their teachers at Forest City High School. Eric earned his degree in electrical engineering at Iowa State in 2004. He is currently an engineering manager with Black & Veatch. He works on a team of engineers and technicians who design and construct high voltage infrastructure installations for a client in the Northeast United States. Most of my teachers at FCHS have contributed to not only my success in college but also in life. I give special recognition to Mr. Meyers, Mr. Kvale and Mr. Helmich, who gave me a solid foundation in math, physics and technology that has served me well in life, said Eric. Jennifer graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in journalism and mass communication. After five years in newspaper she transitioned into public relations. She is currently a senior information specialist at the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at the Missouri School of Journalism located at the University of Missouri. She also enjoys freelance writing for some Christian ministries in her spare time. Mrs. Alice Lewellen definitely helped inspire me to pursue writing and journalism. She continues to be an encouragement to me in my professional life, said Jennifer. What was the key to success? For Jennifer, a lot of hard work and networking has paid off. Making connections with people is extremely important in todays job market. Never despise meager beginnings. Sometimes you have to work long hours and low pay before an amazing opportunity comes along, said Jennifer. Eric links his success to passion. The biggest reason for the success is a passion for what I do. Anyone can work hard and put in long hours to climb the proverbial ladder. But without a true passion for ones job/career, success will be fleeting due to burnout or boredom, said Eric.

Abbie Wibe, Forest City Education Foundation Intern, graduated from Waldorf College this spring! Wed like to thank her for the time she spent at the Foundation and wish her luck in her future endeavors!

Raymond Beebe, President Steve Lovik, Vice President 73 Darwin Lehmann, Chairman Dave Arndt, Treasurer Nicole Blaser, Director 02 Buzz Burnham Cindy Carter 69 Chris Caswell

Board Members

Dave Damm 71 Duane Polsdofer Rita Gilbertson Randy Pruisner Trista Helm Rachel Rognes Dave Kingland Rick Skjeie 89 Alice Lewellen Linda (Damm) Smith, 73 Ron Lichtsinn 89 Liz (Sorenson) Smith, 95 Pat Lovik Marcia Tweeten Nancy Olson Rae Yost

Forest City High School helped instill hard work ethics in these two siblings. It also had an impact on their family. We are thankful for the generosity of Steve Nelson and his family with the creation of the Nelson/Straks Family Scholarship.

Steve Nelson is pictured with scholarship recipient Thomas ORourke

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Highlight on FCHS Alum:

Brian Rayhons started with the Forest City Ambulance Service his senior year of high school. Following in his dads footsteps, Brian knew he wanted to pursue this passion for helping people. When he enrolled in a six-month long University of Iowa Paramedic Program, he knew he was on the right course. After working in Clear Lake at the Fire Department for several years, he was offered a position for City of West Des Moines, where he currently is employed. He also works parttime as a flight paramedic for Mercy One. Rayhons received his BA in Fire Sciences through Columbia Southern University in 2012. Rayhons says he loves the adrenaline that comes from his job and that he is helping people every day.

Brian Rayhons

Online Programs Open Opportunities for Long

-Heidi Nyhus
Amy (Osheim) Long 07 didnt have to look far to find a successful career. At age 24, she serves as the medical staff and outreach manager at the Waverly Health Clinic. She graduated from Wartburg College in three years and obtained her masters in healthcare administration from Des Moines University. Were friendly here (the Midwest). Its a great place to raise a family. You dont have to go to a big city to find success. You dont need to be in a metropolitan area to be surrounded by opportunities. Long has experienced many opportunities without leaving Waverly. She was able to obtain her masters enrolled in an online program at DMU. I liked the online courses because I was settled in my career path and was able to apply all my knowledge. I missed the classroom and getting to know my classmates, but overall I had a great experience. She completed her masters in 2.5 years while working at the Waverly Health Clinic. I would encourage anyone thinking about a masters to get it right away. Once you get out, its hard to go back and finish it, said Long. A strong foundation in education was instrumental to Longs success. The relationships she formed at Forest City High School and Wartburg College gave her the support to excel in her career. It sounds clich, but every year I get older I realize how important it is to have people encouraging you and setting good examples and that is what FC schools gave me, said Long. She has recently been accepted into the strategic decision and risk management certification program at Stanford. Online programs are a great way to get an education now. I can get a degree from Stanford while balancing my family in Iowa, said Long. Long has a piece of advice that she shares with others, Dream big and find passion in what you do. Its safe to say that Long has done just that. As cheesy as it sounds, every day is a great experience at work. Healthcare is an exciting field; it doesnt matter if youre not always in on the medical action. No matter what aspect, you get to make a difference every day.

Class Reunion Highlights

Class of 77
FCHS Class of 77 held their 35-year class reunion July 7, 2012. Classmates participated in a golf outing at Bear Creek with a social hour, dinner and program at Shooterz Bar & Grill.

Class of 01

FCHS 01 held their 11year class reunion October 12-14, 2012, in Forest City. Classmates reconnected with a social held Saturday night at Shooterz and a family potluck on Sunday. For those interested in class updates, follow FCHS Class of 2001 on Facebook. Would you like us to feature pictures from your class reunion? Email them to nicolelovikblaser@gmail.com for our Fall Alumni Dream Catcher

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From FCHS to the Jungle of Borneo

By Alice Lewellen
There has never been a more urgent need for passionate and dedicated conservationists to help protect the biodiversity of our planet. Please consider choosing a career as a conservationist. This quote is a facebook post on Integrated Conservations page. Brent Loken, a 1989 FCHS graduate, is the Executive Director of this organization. Loken has had a wide and varied career since leaving Forest City High School. He graduated from Augustana in Sioux Falls, with a double major in wildlife biology and education. After graduation Loken began a three year stint as a middle school/high school science teacher in Damascus, Syria. Brent returned to the United States thinking that he wanted to become a doctor which led him to the University of Colorado in Boulder. After working as a home nurse in home health care for a year, Brent realized that he missed teaching and also missed living overseas. His next job took him to Bolivia where he taught high school chemistry and physics. On returning to the States again, Loken traveled to Alaska where he taught third grade. Shortly after 9-11, Brent went to Pakistan to see the situation in that country for himself. He commented that many people thought it was crazy for him to go there at such an unstable time. He taught high school physics and chemistry for three years and then went to Taiwan for almost four years to start his own school where he served as director of curriculum and principal for one year. Loken designed the new building and the curriculum, and in general re-thought education as he stated. This school became the most progressive in Asia with every student having a laptop. When the school became stable, Brent decided he would like to do something with his childhood passion which was Wildlife Biology. He traveled to Borneo and started Integrated Conservation, the nonprofit organization he heads today. The purpose was to help local communities develop sustainable conservation initiatives. Sixty percent of their forests have been lost in the last 40 years. When he turned 40, Brent went back to school to obtain his Ph.D. wanting be more effective at leading his organization. He says he is really busy but is having a blast! He is currently studying at Simon Fraser in British Columbia. As a result of all his travels, Brent has gained a strong appreciation for other nations and their residents. He commented that the people from every culture are very gracious and he has been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel and learn from people of various cultures. Loken spends many weeks in the forests of Borneo doing research where he sets camera traps to observe wildlife such as clouded leopards or orangutans. At times he goes deeper into the jungle where he finds himself covered with leeches, and the only way to bathe is in the river. Much of the food is found in the forest itself and is eaten around the evening campfire. Brent commented that the most memorable times of his life have been spent in the forests of Borneo: listening to male orangutans calling and warning humans to stay out of the area or hearing the sound of gibbons awakening. The connection to so much life is what inspired him to believe that these forests need to be protected. Brent advises young people to take risks and not be afraid. If you take big risks, be ready to fail, but you will grow as a person. Follow your heart and your passions wherever they lead you. Twenty years ago, Brent says he would never have imagined he could be paid to do something that he loves so much. Today, at the age of 42, Brent says it was scary changing careers but people should remember all the opportunities that are open to them. When asked how growing up in Forest City influenced him, Brent said that he was deeply influenced by growing up close to nature. Deer hunting was important and walking out the back door and being able to hunt was amazing. In Jakarta, for example, there are people who dont have the same access to nature. He also remembers his days as a wrestler at FCHS fondly. Brent says he developed a strong work ethic that he still uses today.
For more information about Integrated Conservation, go to their facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/ IntegratedConservation) or to www.integratedconservation.org

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Remembering Al Gilbertson
By Sam Jefson, Forest City Summit
Teachers, students and athletes remember Al Gilbertson as a good guy with a huge heart. The long time teacher and coach at Forest City High School died Jan. 29 leaving behind a legacy as an educator, coach and husband. Gilbertson was recently honored by Forest City Schools with a lifetime achievement award. And the annual winner of the 4 x 400 girls track relay at the Indian Relays is named for him. In the classroom, former colleagues remember Gilbertson for his common sense mathematical solutions blended with his unique sense of humor. Al was just Al, said Ron Sanderson a former teacher and coworker. He fit right into our group of teachers when he moved in. Gilbertson started at Forest City in 1972 as an advanced mathematics teacher. He continued in the position until he retired in 1997. Lori Willert taught in the math department with Gilbertson for 12 years. She compares Gilbertson to the big uncle who is a trusted mentor. When I was preparing for the first days of school he would check in and see how I was doing, Willert said. It was just one of the ways he showed he cared. During Willerts time at Forest City the math department had four teachers: Wendell Kampman, Paul Jensen, Willert and Gilbertson. They compared their team to the characters in the Wizard of Oz. Al was the Tin Man, Willert said. In the story the Tin Man is looking for a heart but in Als case, he had a huge heart and it was evident in everything he did. Teachers say students were always comfortable in Gilbertsons classroom because of his laid- back demeanor. He always had an attitude that it wasnt a big deal and things would work out, Willert said. He would toss his hands up in the air and make a phfff sound with his lips. Despite his laid-back attitude, Gilbertson loved competition. He coached five different teams at Forest City. He had a knack for creating or taking over athletic programs in their beginning years of existence. He started the girls basketball team, the girls and boys cross country teams and the girls track team. He also took over the softball program in the second year of its existence and won a conference title in 1975. Gilbertsons favorite sport was track and field. At Forest City, his girls track teams won nine North Iowa Conference titles and seven combined individual and relay titles at the state track meet. He knew how to make our team feel like a team, said Jana (Benson) Monat. He was a good coach to run under. Monat was a member of three consecutive 4 x 400 relay teams that took home state titles (97, 98, 99). She also won the open 800 in 1998 and was a member of a winning distance medley team in 1998. The 4 x 400 was a favorite race for many Gilbertson track teams in the late 1990s. It was the very last race, it was fast and we were pretty stacked, Monat said. We all looked forward to it. In honor of Gilbertsons contributions to the Forest City girls track team and the race he had relay teams win three straight state titles in, the Al Gilbertson 4 x 400 relay champion award was started in 2004. After the final race at the Indians home track meet, the winning team in the 4 x 400 is receives the traveling trophy. Gilbertson would take a picture with the winning relay team each year holding the trophy in his namesake. I have been in Forest City for seven years and Al never missed a home meet, said head girls track coach Scott Jackson. When the 4X4 came around we knew he would be there to watch the race. Gilbertson retired from coaching track in 1999, but many of his traditions have lived on with the track team. After every meet, Gilbertson would have his runners pick up trash anywhere around the complex, Jackson said. It wasnt just in Forest Citys camp. It was everywhere. It wasnt all business during track and field season though. Gilbertson brought his light-hearted attitude with him there too. He definitely had a sense of humor, said Monat. When he would joke around it was hilarious because he didnt always say silly things. When he said something you knew it was going to be good. Gilbertson carried his passion for coaching runners into the fall by starting the cross-country program at Forest City in the late 1980s. Under his tenure, Gary Flugum won a state title in 1993, and the girls and boys teams won multiple conference titles. During his final years of coaching, the cross-country team ballooned to a squad of more than 50 runners. The program just took off and a lot of it had to do with Als personality, said head cross country coach Steve Kappos. He had a way to make it fun and he was always positive. Kappos began as an assistant coach in 1996 because of the influx of runners in the program and learned a lot about how to coach runners. Al was not a rah-rah guy, but he wanted everyone to do their best in the classroom and in athletics, Kappos said. He was a guy I always tried to learn from. Before he passed away, Gilbertson was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at a January 25 basketball game for his efforts in the classroom and in coaching. After the recognition ceremony, a cheer went up in the Forest City student section of the coachs nickname. Gilby, Gilby, Gilby they roared in a fitting tribute for the man who helped build five athletic programs and taught 25 years in the Forest City high school classroom.

Thank you to the Forest City Summit for allowing us to print this memorial to Al Gilbertson.
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Rovang Siblings Follow Paths to Success

By: Alice Lewellen

hen many FCHS alums, hear the last name of Rovang, they think fondly of the middle school math teacher and FC Hall of Fame member, Ruth Rovang. Others remember their classmates, the three Rovang siblings: Doug (1963), Rich (1965) and Donna (1968), children of Ruth and John Rovang. The influence their parents had on their lives, as well as growing up in the Forest City-Fertile school community led to success for these three Forest City graduates. The Rovang children grew up on a farm near Fertile, which as Doug says, taught responsibility at an early age. Both Ruth and John were educators in every sense of the word, and it was clear to their children that all forms of learning would impact their lives. Donna commented, Mom and Dad believed in developing the total person; academics, band and choir and athletics as well. Even though we were country kids, we were never deprived of the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular activities and they were always in the stands supporting us and cheering us on! As Doug said, It was always understood from our parents that after high school we would go on to college. Doug attended kindergarten in Forest City and attended school in Fertile until his junior year of high school when he transferred to Forest City. Since the Rovangs lived in an independent school district adjacent to Mount Valley Township, they were able to transfer one year before Fertile was officially assimilated into the Forest City School system. Doug said that class work was important and cites special teachers as mentors: Mr. Konigsmark (history), Helen Brown (math) Coach Riddell (football) and Fred Smith (baseball). Rich also believes they had outstanding teachers in the 60s in Forest City and Fertile. He felt well prepared when he went on to college. He especially remembers math classes from John Anderson, Larry Sorenson and Helen Brown; biology from Bill Hutchinson; history and social studies from Ross Braland and Herb Konigsmark. The athletic programs were memorable, rewarding and contributed to those life skills required to handle competition, success and occasionally, defeat along the way, said Rich. Donna commented on her great classmates and great teachers, also citing how her parents helped her with schoolwork. Mom was my left brain tutor, Dad the right brain. Doug attended Waldorf and then Iowa State, graduating with a B.S. in Civil Engineering in 1968. He started grad school but was drafted into the army after one quarter. He spent 14 months in Vietnam and then returned to Iowa State and finished his grad school course work in 1971. He completed his thesis in 1975 and received his M.S. in Civil Engineering. Rich also attended Waldorf and received his AA degree in 1967. He then attended Iowa State and received a B.S .in Civil Engineering and completed a few graduate courses in Water Resources and Sanitary Engineering. In 1999, he attended William Mitchell Col-

lege of Law and received a Juris Doctorate degree in 2003. Donna graduated from Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota in 1972 with a B.A. in Nursing and earned an M.S. in Nursing Administration from the University of Dubuque in 1991. The home environment the siblings experienced contributed to a value system that has led to much career success for all three of them. Rich commented, I have so appreciated the environment that we had at home, within our grade and high school systems and in my college education. The value systems that our community instilled in all of us were a real blessing. There was an expectation that we would add value wherever we journeyed along lifes pathways, and that we would do so in a manner that would bring honor to those we loved and those who had helped and directed us along the way. I have always been so proud of what we hold dear in our upper Midwest culture. It had produced so many great leaders. Doug added that there was little, if any social and economic class structure in the community so they grew up learning to treat others as equals. These home and community values have led to much success for the Rovangs. Dougs first full-time job was with WHKS Engineering beginning in 1971 in their Rochester, Minn., office. He designed water and wastewater treatment plants for northern Iowa and southern Minnesota cities. In 1985, he became Water Division Director for Rochester Public Utilities (RPU). In 1995, he became Senior Civil Engineer at RPU and continues in that position. Doug plans to retire later this year. Rich began working for the USDA Soil Conservation Service as a Civil Engineer in June 1970 and held various engineering and contract specialist positions with that agency. His work entailed designing and overseeing the construction of various erosion control, water management, and flood control projects. Among those projects were Deer Creek Watershed near Northwood, Iowa, and the South Zumbro Watershed Project with seven flood control reservoirs above the city of Rochester, Minn. Richs career took a turn in 1990 when he accepted a position with the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities. He has overseen the design and construction of projects that resulted in over $2.5 billion of public works projects. The Central Corridor Project, for which Rich is presently the Project Director, at just under one billion dollars, is the largest public works project in the history of the state of Minnesota. His current title is assistant general manager, transit systems development, with Metro Transit, a division of the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities.

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Donna began her nursing career at New England Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. She returned to the Mason City area in 1973 and started working in a clinic from 1974-1977. She began her teaching career as a nurse educator at Waldorf College in a partnership program with North Iowa Community College from 1977-1980. In 1980, Donna began teaching at NIACC and was a part-time nurse consultant for a local law firm involved with health litigation. Donna is currently the division chair of Health Programs at NIACC. Her primary role is largely administrative and involves overseeing seven health programs and co-administrator of Continuing Education, Long-Term Care and EMS programs. These fascinating careers have lead to many awards for the family. Doug is a licensed professional engineer in the states of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. He has served on many Minnesota and national water committees. He has been the section chair of the Minnesota section of the American Waterworks Association (AWWA) and received the sections Leonard Thompson Award. He also served on the national AWWA Utility Council and received the national AWWA George Warren Full Award. Doug has been on the Rochester Airport Zoning Board of Appeals, president of Rochester Rotary and an elder in the Rochester First Presbyterian Church. Rich is a registered professional engineer in Minnesota and Iowa and a member of the Minnesota Bar. He has received the USDA Distinguished Service Award and was named the Soil Conservation Service Civil Servant of the Year in the Twin Cities. He received the USDA Meritorious Service Award for interagency leadership water quality and is the project director for the Light Rail Corridor, which is being designed and constructed between St. Paul and Minneapolis. Rich says that his greatest achievement is his two wonderful daughters Michelle Burke and Ann Wolff and four terrific grandchildren Nick, Abbie, Elizabeth and Jack! Donna has been on numerous state committees involving the Iowa Board of Nursing and Nursing Education. She has received a certificate of recognition and appreciation by the NIACC Board of Directors in 2003, 2007 and 2013. She received the NIACC Foundations Excellence in Service award in May 2013 and is a current nominee for the Iowa Association of Career and Technical Educators Teacher of the Year Award. Doug Rovang says he has had an interesting profession that has given him a great deal of satisfaction. He does not like the clichd advice to young people to follow their dreams. He advises young people to be practical and get trained for a career for which jobs are and will continue to be available. Rich Rovang says he has enjoyed the diversity of experiences he has had in his career in technical roles and in management. In both roles, it has been clear that it is so important to be able to identify

issues and problems, and then apply those problem solving skills that we learned growing up and were refined in our educational environment. That is when I appreciated the environment we had at home, within our grade and high school systems and on to my college education. I have encountered terrific people, co-workers and contacts along the way and that is what I will remember most, said Rich. The changes that he experienced along his career allowed Rich to not grow stale in what he was doing. He especially enjoyed the challenge of attending law school while working fulltime in his 50s. Rich recently read an article by an instructor at Showa Boston Institute for Language and Culture who said find work that, even in a small way, truly matters. Rich feels that if we do that, we will enjoy what we do and can be satisfied that we have done our part when we retire. Donna Orton says she has enjoyed every aspect of nursing, from hospital to clinic, to nursing administration. As Donna says, Be passionate about your career choice! No salary can overshadow the need to love what you do every day. Be willing to roll your sleeves up, accept adversity and be ready for the challenges the world will present to you. I love Bill Gates 11 rules for life and have it hanging on my bulletin board, and I think it bears witness to the challenges we currently face as educators and employers! All three of the Rovang children say they would like to thank their parents, Ruth and John who gave their children so much and expected each of them to give back to others: to our family, to our community and to our part of the world. Clearly, Ruth and John instilled all of this in their children!

Meet our New Intern!

eidi Nyhus, 09 FCHS Alum and 13 Iowa State University graduate, joined Forest City Education Foundation this May as an intern. Heidi earned her degree in Journalism and Mass Communications and a minor in Political Science. Heidi is the daughter of Harlan and Deb Nyhus.

She worked for Winnebago County Extension Office as a summer program assistant in 2010. She interned at Iowa 4-H Foundation for her entire senior year of college. She also participated in a non-profit protg program with Lutheran Services in Iowa, where she learned daily operations of a nonprofit. Heidi has enjoyed service opportunities in Forest City as well as in Ames, which lead her to involvement with the Miss America Organization by competing in local pageants. In June 2012, she competed for the title of Miss Iowa with a platform of promoting community involvement in youth. We welcome Heidi back to the area and were excited to have her working with the Forest City Education Foundation board!

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Forest City Education Foundation held the annual Academic Banquet April 11, 2013, honoring 76 students in grades 9 through 12. More than 250 were present including students, parents, teachers, administrators, Forest City Education Foundation members, and guests. Students received Academic Letters based on fulfillment of two of the following criteria: a student must be in the top 7% of their class; must have an ITED National Percentile Rank of 85 or higher on the Reading Comprehension, Math Total and Science tests; have a composite score on the ACT of 27 or higher; a cumulative 3.6 GPA or higher; and/or attendance of 97% or higher. Keynote speaker, Ken Kleemeier 00, Industry Business Development Manager at Emerson, spoke to students about key characteristics he seeks in potential employees. Kleemeier seeks students who have public speaking experience, international exposure, and participated in athletics. Kleemeier views these extracurricular activities crucial in developing necessary skills, especially when applying for jobs with global organizations. Through these particular activities a person develops public speaking skills, ability to work with different cultures, and the motivation and perseverance to overcome obstacles in the workplace. Superintendent Darwin Lehmann said, This academic banquet is great to recognize the students who deserve it. These are the students who place academics first, and they should be honored. The board members of Forest City Education Foundation are proud to sponsor this annual event and recognize the students who have achieved so much.

FCHS Honors Top Students

Ken Kleemeier, 2013 Academic Banquet speaker, is pictured with his fiance, Ashley Dose.

Paul Sorensen Photography

Paul Sorensen, 65, and native of Forest City, captures the beauty of Forest City through his photography. Pictured above is his photograph Iowa Islands. Left to right: Pilot Knob Tower, Sunset at Wooges Pond, and Mount Valley Bear Creek. A selection of his photos have been featured in Our Iowa magazine.

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$250 Denny Lovick Memorial Scholarship- Cole Seglem $1000 Elise Marie Johnson Scholarship- Nicolette Schaumberg $300 TSB Scholarship- Trent Walrod $500 (2) Ron & Hope Lichtsinn Scholarship- Thomas ORourke, Tate Thompson $300 Joyful Spirit Scholarship*- Nicolette Schaumberg $1000 Frakes Family Scholarship- Jessica Tweeten $300 Todd & Sherri Lunning*- Emma Sougstad $300 Olson Family Scholarship- Rachel Fischer $300 Dave Draheim Memorial Scholarship- Nicolette Schaumberg $500 Clifford and Merna Torkelson Scholarship*- Geoffrey Faulkner $1500 Nelson/ Straks Family Scholarship*- Thomas ORourke $300 FC Breakfast Lions Denny Lovick Memorial ScholarshipJessica Kingston $750 Elsie Willig Memorial Scholarship*- Mark Melby $500 Allan Gilbertson Memorial Scholarship/ Gilby Award*- Jessica Tweeten $200 (3) Bills Family Foods Scholarships- Trevor Eischen, Natalie Schmidt, Bailey Sheimo $2000 Grand Masonic Lodge of Iowa- Russell Scharper $300 Richard Putz Memorial Scholarship*- Tiffany Fraaken $750 Forest City Farmers Coop Scholarship*- Kylie Holst, $250 Forest City Farmers Coop Scholarship*- Isaiah Quayle $350 Middle School Scholarship- Isaac Tuttle $250 Masonic Lodge Scholarship- Brian Brcka $500 (2) College Athlete/Educator*- McKenzie Baker, Thomas ORourke $500 DeKalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award- Kylie Holst $500 Randy & Tracy Broesder Family Scholarship*- Rachel Fischer $250 Frank F. Sinnard Memorial Scholarship- Brinna Rollefson $500 Charlie Ruiter and Brandon L. Thomas Memorial Scholarship*- Skye Newcom $500 (4) Rotary Waldorf Scholarship- Rochelle Dirks, Trevor Eichen, Rachel Fischer, Nick Grothe $2000 (2) Barbara Bulman Scholarship*- Madeline Aberg, McKenzie Baker $250 Barbara Lorenzen Cromwell Memorial Scholarship*- Hailey Kofron 3-year Half Tuition, 1-year Full Tuition- Bill C. Fox ScholarshipJeff Robson, Brian Brcka $500 Larry W. Lovick Scholarship- Kylie Holst

Senior Awards Night Scholarships

$2500 Willig Family Scholarship- Carter Anderson $300 (3) Get On The Bus Staff Scholarship*- Seth Brown, Jameson Pauley, Dakota Richardson $300 Bunger Family Scholarship*- Trent Walrod $500 Doug Book Memorial Scholarship- Nathan Friederich $250 P.E.O. Scholarship- Christina Davison $200 American Legion Auxiliary Scholarship- Corey Osborn $500 Lewison Scholarship- Joshua Dakken $1000 (15) Winnebago Industries Foundation- Zach Bengtson, Adam Busta, Chet Chapin, Josh Daken, Shelby Hoeft, Kylie Holst, Kelsey McQuown, Mark Melby, Corey Osborne, Bailey Sheimo, Matt Snyder, Emma Sougstad, Tyler Tweeten, Coltan Westerberg, Jordan Williams $500 American Legion School Award & Scholarship- Brian Brcka, Thomas ORourke $1000 Forest City YMCA Scholarship in Memory of Merrill G. Oleson- Thomas ORourke $350 Kirby Thompson Memorial Scholarship- Nicolette Schaumberg $500 Agricultural Enrichment Scholarship*- Kylie Holst $333 (3) Vote Yes- WCL*- Zach Bengtson, Hailey Kofron, Chelsea Tweed $100 American Bar Association Citizenship Award & Scholarship- Matt Snyder $500 Farm & City Insurance Services Scholarship- Bailey Sheimo $250 High School Student Council Leadership Scholarship- Zach Lillquist $300 Fred Langrock Memorial Scholarship- Nikko Celindro $500 Eugene Morris Evening Lions Scholarship- Jessica Tweeten Pettersen Family Scholarship- Carter Anderson, Thomas ORourke, Tyler Tweeten, Trent Walrod $500 Kimberly Hope Jordal Memorial- Brinna Rollefson $200 Lloyd Thorsheim Memorial English Scholarship- Emilie Branstad $250 KIOW Scholarship- Tyler Tweeten $500 Heartland Power High School Scholarship- McKenzie Baker $4000 (4) Clarence A. Hawkes Scholarship- Russell Scharper, Matthew Snyder, Jessica Tweeten, Tyler Tweeten $250 P.C. Olson Memorial Scholarship- Brian Brcka $100 Class of 88 Scholarship- Merissa Petersen $1000 Booker Cup Award & Scholarship- Jon Mathiasen $10,000 Raymond & Joan Beebe Family Scholarship*- Russell Scharper *Indicates new scholarship as of 2013

Raymond and Joan Beebe, of Forest City, Iowa, have donated $100,000 to the Forest City Education Foundation. This donation has established an endowed named scholarship. The Raymond and Joan Beebe Family Scholarship will be awarded every year to a senior who has excelled academically throughout his/her high school career, has been involved in extra-curricular activities and has demonstrated exceptional character and a desire to be of service to others. It will be a $10,000 scholarship awarded to the recipient in increments of $2500 during his/her college career. I thought it important in my role as President of Forest City Education Foundation that I lead by example. Joan and I have already made provisions in our wills for the Foundation but we realize the need is there now, said Beebe. In addition to including the Foundation in our estate plan, we also anticipate making further contributions during our lifetimes.
Photo Courtesy of Forest City Summit Joan and Ray Beebe are pictured with Russell Sharper who will be attending University of Northwestern - St. Paul in the fall.

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Commitment to Excellence Awards $5000 Level

Madeline Aberg Zach Lillquist Corey Osborn Russell Scharper

Foundation Academic Awards

$2500 Level

Carter Anderson Brian Brcka Kelsey McQuown Jeffrey Robson Tate Thompson

$3000 Level

McKenzie Baker Jessica Tweeten Tyler Tweeten

$1500 Level

Adam Busta Nikko Celindro Joshua Daken Nicholas Grothe

Emily Branstad Chet Chapin Tyler Helmich Thomas ORourke Matthew Snyder

$1000- Diamond

$600- Silver

Christina Davison Jessica Kingston Jonathan Mathiasen Skye Newcom Brinna Rollefson Isaac Tuttle

$800- Platinum
Rachel Fischer Nathan Friederich Shelby Hoeft Tate Mackey Bailey Sheimo Emma Sougstad Trent Walrod

$500- Bronze

$700- Gold

Seth Brown Mark Melby Jameson Pauley Coltan Segerstrom Coltan Westerberg Jordan Williams

Zach Bengtson Rochelle Dirks Trevor Eischen Geoffrey Faulkner Tiffany Fraaken Kylie Holst Hailey Kofron Merissa Petersen Isaiah Quayle Dakota Richardson Cole Seglem Nicolette Schaumberg Natalie Schmidt Krista Schuler Chelsea Tweed

Forest City Education Foundation Awards $1000 plus an additional $250 if attending North Iowa Area Community College or $500 if attending Waldorf College Madeline Aberg Mark Melby Carter Anderson Skye Newcom McKenzie Baker Thomas ORourke Zach Bengtson Corey Osborn Emily Branstad Jameson Pauley Brian Brcka Merissa Petersen Seth Brown Isaiah Quayle Adam Busta Dakota Richardson Nikko Celindro Jeffrey Robson Chet Chapin Brinna Rollefson Joshua Daken Russell Scharper Christina Davison Nicolette Schaumberg Rochelle Dirks Natalie Schmidt Trevor Eischen Krista Schuler Geoffrey Faulkner Coltan Segerstrom Rachel Fischer Cole Seglem Tiffany Fraaken Bailey Sheimo Nathan Friederich Matthew Snyder Nicholas Grothe Emma Sougstad Tyler Helmich Tate Thompson Shelby Hoeft Isaac Tuttle Kylie Holst Chelsea Tweed Jessica Kingston Jessica Tweeten Hailey Kofron Tyler Tweeten Zach Lillquist Trent Walrod Tate Mackey Coltan Westerberg Jonathan Mathiasen Jordan Williams Kelsey McQuown
Photo Courtesy of Forest City Summit

Kate, Michael and Griffin are pictured with 2013 recipient, Brinna Rollefson.

The Kimberly Hope Jordal Memorial Scholarship is in honor of the daughter of Michael and Kate Jordal, both graduates of Forest City High School. Kimberly is the granddaughter of Mike and Alice Lewellen and Dale and Rhonda Jordal, all of Forest City. Kimberly Hope was born on November 30, 2011. Because she was born extremely prematurely she only lived 24 minutes. In those minutes, she changed the lives of her family members forever. Kimberly is named for a special nurse who helped her family through many difficult decisions and Hope for children in the future. Her parents and grandparents wanted to start a scholarship so that Kimberly would always be remembered and could touch many lives. The $500 scholarship is given to a student who is planning a career in the medical field with priority given to nursing. This year Michael and Kate welcomed Kimberlys brother, Griffin Michael, into the family on Jan. 16. Griffin is truly a miracle and he is a reminder that beautiful things can come from tragedy. We knew Kimberlys life was important but we wanted strangers to feel her importance too. This scholarship can do that while impacting students who pursue nursing. Hopefully one day, a scholarship recipient will impact others through nursing. This is Kimberlys legacy, said Kate.

Spring 2013

Page 11

Brian Brcka and Jeff Robson received the Bill C. Fox Scholarship. They are pictured with Bob and Cindy Mary. Cindy is the niece of Bill Fox and presents the award every year. Both recipients will attend Iowa State and major in engineering.

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Photo Courtesy of Forest City Summit

Would you like to start a scholarship in your familys name or in memory or honor of someone you love? Its very easy! Contact Nicole Lovik-Blaser at Forest City Education Foundation to set it up: 641.585.2323. We ask that your scholarship is a minimum of $300. Payments can be made over time.

The Forest City Community School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, marital status, national origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender equity, socio-economic status, or disability in its educational programs, services or employment practices. Students, parents of students, applicants for employment and employees of the Forest City Community Schools shall have the right to file a formal complaint alleging non-compliance with equity regulations. Inquiries concerning application of this statement should be addressed to: Dave Cunningham, Equity Coordinator, 1405 West I Street, Forest City, Iowa 50436, Telephone (641) 585-2670 or Zach Dillavou, Equity Coordinator, 216 West School Street, Forest City, Iowa 50436, Telephone (641) 585-4772.